Individual Education Program

An Individual Education Program (IEP) is a written document that describes the education plan for a student with a disability. The IEP talks about the student’s disability, what skills the student needs to learn, what services the school will provide and where the students learning will take place.

Who Qualifies for an IEP?

If your child has an illness or injury that affects their ability to learn in the classroom, they are entitled to special services to help them learn. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with certain disabilities are eligible for special education and related services. The disability must affect the child’s educational performance.

These categories include:

Autism

Deafness

Deaf-blindness

Hearing impairment

Mental retardation

Multiple disabilities

Orthopedic impairment

Other health impairment

Serious emotional disturbance

Specific learning disability

Speech or language impairment

Traumatic brain injury

Visual impairment, including blindness

What is the purpose of an IEP?

The purpose of an IEP is to make sure that everyone (you, your child and the school staff) knows what your child’s educational program will be.

Will my child be evaluated (tested)?

As part of the IEP process, your child will be evaluated to determine his/her specific learning needs. The school psychologist will obtain your consent before the beginning of the evaluation process.

Who Is on the IEP team?

The IEP team consists of a regular education teacher, a special education teacher, a school psychologist, you and your child. You and your child are very important members of the IEP team and your input is valuable.

What are IEP meetings?

An IEP meeting is held after your child’s evaluation is complete. All of the members of the IEP team will be invited. The evaluation results will be shared with you and an education program will be developed. IEP meetings must be held at least once per year. Any members of the IEP team, including you, may ask for an IEP meeting at any time that you feel it is necessary.